Description

The Rostrum is a beautiful pillar of gray rock with sheer orange sections and beautiful crack systems. It is visable directly across from the Reed's Pinnacle area and is distinguishable by it's blocky summit. The climb to do is The North Face (5.11c), commonly called "The Rostrum," but also Blind Faith -- a burly crack system to the right, and the Kaukulator -- a short climb near the halfway ledge of the formation.

The Rostrum faces north and is a great shady spot in the summer heat.

Getting There

Take HWY 41 out of the Valley and follow it through a tunnel and on to a long stretch of stone wall. Park at the pullout along this wall or at a dirt pullout just past it. The descent trail begins at the west end of the wall and descends directly to the summit area, and then skirts steeply down the west side of the formation. The halfway ledge is visible through the trees, and shortly thereafter a series of three single-rope rappels takes you to the base. It would also be possible to approach via HWY 140 from the vicinity of the Generator Crack area.

The Rostrum is a truly rad climb. Every pitch is high quality and would be sought after individual classics were they at any crag, but stacked on top of each other they create a superb and memorable challenge. The climbing is secure, well protected, and physical. Park at the pullout along the stone wall, or just past it at a dirt pullout. Follow the trail(which begins just west of the stone wall) down past some slabs and on to an obvious rappel point on a tree. Two more raps (all with a sin...[more]Browse More Classics in California